Question that I probably can answer myself, but...

[HoofTrimmer]

I would really like it to be this easy, but I think I already know the answer.

Can I spray the suckers around my trees with Round-Up? It would be so nice and quick to solve this problem so easily.

My gut tells me that will be the end of the whole shootin' match if I do. Anyone else ever try it?

TIA,
HoofTrimmer

 

[Deemy]

A big fat NO!!!! Besides it would be easier to just cut them off or better yet if it is a good producing tree why not try progating them???? I'm doing it right now with an apple tree.

 

[Susan4]

I'll add another NO! to Deemy's. While it may not kill the rest of the tree it would certainly harm it. Pruning them off is a better idea.

Basal suckering can be a sign of stress to the tree or just be a feature of the particular species. You might also mean root suckers distant from the tree. That's a clonal means of reproduction on some species (ie. aspen) and it might be easier to just keep them mowed or brushogged off.

Basal suckering with any top dieback often indicates a root problem. Check for girdling roots, old plastic twine embedded in the trunk from when it was planted, compaction, disturbance, fill etc..

Susan4ster

 

[MaxTheKnife]

ROUNDUP!!!???

 

[HoofTrimmer]

Yup, that's what I thought. Too bad.

The suckering is pretty much just what this variety of crab apple does.

Deemy: I think that propigating the root suckers will just get me some M111 rootstock tree. Since you have to go above the graft to get the particular variety of fruit. Who knows, maybe M111 is good stuff.

Thank you everyone, just wanting to be lazy about it.

HoofTrimmer

 

[Flagwaver]

LOL!!

Hooftrimer, I really like some of your posts. You've a great sense of humor. Even if you were serious here. I am serious about this compliment.

The Lord knows we all need more humor in this world.

 

[Gingergirl]

You can prune but it will encourage stronger growth. It is better to wrench them out so they tear below the soil line.

 

[HoofTrimmer]

Thanks Flagwaver. I think you could qualify my sense of humor as wry. Gingergirl, thanks for the input, it is hard as heck to pull those things out. Maybe with plyers...

Wonder about putting down some heavy plastic weighted down with bricks or something.

HoofTrimmer